For what might be the first time this century, members of the Town of New Paltz’s Planning Board approved a findings statement. This document is only necessary after the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a project has been finalized, and is an evaluation of the environmental impacts and the steps to be taken to mitigate those impacts. In this case, the project is the cellular tower to be built at 60 Jansen Road, and one of the measures to mitigate the number of trees that will be killed during construction will be the establishment of a $20,000 fund for planting of trees elsewhere in the Town.
Board members pored over the document with exceeding care, devoting nearly two hours to the task before coming up with a version that they felt not only accurately reflected their views, but would withstand the scrutiny of a judge if it were ever to come to that. Litigation does not seem likely in this case, however. Requiring an EIS on a cell tower application is unusual, but representatives of applicant Homeland Towers have not assumed a combative posture once it became clear that this was to be the process. They have been willing to extend deadlines imposed under federal law when it comes to reviewing cell tower applications, and it was their idea to offer up $20,000 to plant trees. That money will be in addition to planting young trees on the property to offset those who will be cut down. Town Supervisor Neil Bettez, who simultaneously serves on the village’s Shade Tree Commission, had not heard about the proposed tree fund when reached Friday.
With the findings statement approved, the Homeland Towers representatives will be able to seeking the variance that’s needed to build this in a residential zone.
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